Gascoyne Coast bioregion
The Gascoyne Coast bioregion in Western Australia (WA) runs from the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri to the Ashburton River south of Onslow (27° S to 21°46’ S).
Make sure you are familiar with all the rules that apply in the Gascoyne Coast bioregion before you make your trip. If you are unsure about the rules or need further advice, contact a department office near you.
Areas closed to the take of specific species
The area north of Moore River is closed to abalone fishing until further notice. This includes the entire Northern Zone (Zone 2) from Greenough River mouth to Northern Territory border.
Abalone fishing closures also apply to areas in the North Coast, West Coast and South Coast bioregions
There are 4 pink snapper stocks within the Gascoyne Coast bioregion. Three of these stocks are located in Shark Bay’s inner gulfs and one stock is in oceanic waters.
The population of pink snapper in Shark Bay’s 3 inner gulfs is relatively small and insular with limited mixing between Shark Bay’s inner gulfs and oceanic stocks.
The pink snapper stocks in Shark Bay are small compared with stocks around Australia and New Zealand. Due to the small size of these stocks, and the fact that they are reproductively isolated, the pink snapper here are particularly vulnerable to overfishing. For this reason, special fishing rules apply.
Shark Bay inner gulfs rules
- Denham Sound: no seasonal fishing closures.
- Eastern Gulf: closed 1 May to 31 July (inclusive).
- Freycinet Estuary: closed 15 August to 30 September (inclusive).
Oceanic stock rules
- Northern Bernier Island: closed 1 June to 31 August (inclusive).
DPIRD manages all fishing and aquaculture inside marine protected areas. Different fishing rules apply in different zones. Ensure you stay up to date with the fishing rules in these areas.
Marine parks in the Gascoyne Coast bioregion include:
There are 2 fish habitat protection areas (FHPAs) in the Gascoyne Coast bioregion:
- Miaboolya Beach fish habitat protection area
- Point Quobba fish habitat protection area.
Related information
Contact Us
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DPIRD HillarysOpening hours: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday)39 Northside Drive, Hillarys WA 6025